New galvanized pipe = nasty water taste, smell

What type of compund did you use on the threads, and how much did you use?

Title pretty much sums it up.

I replaced my kitchen fixtures & all stop valves, feed lines, etc. For the unsoftened (drinking) water tap, I had to replace 3 feet of copper leading to the stop valve, and I used a galvanized 1/2" 3' nipple.

Right off the bat, the water had a really nasty taste & smell until enough water is run to empty what was in that length of pipe. Afterward it's OK. Initially I can draw a glass of water and it tastes OK, until the water that was sitting in the pipe reaches the faucet. At that time, I can smell the water right away.

I thought a little time should allow for a little corrosion on the pipe wall & the problem should cure itself. It hasn't, though, and it's been about three weeks. It has eased up in intensity, though.

So the question is: Should water smell & taste lousy for a long time after galvanized pipe is installed? It has an oily, metallic smell & taste.

Hi,

Had the pipe gotten REALLY hot ? If it gets hot enough to oxidize the coating, it will smell, and taste metalic. If that is your problem, BE CAREFUL; it's bad for yuh !

Did you use an old, oily pipe compound ? They're the best, old methods almost always are; but you've got to use restraint, applying them. (I once had a local plumber, steal a half-gallon tub, of the stuff.)

Did you bounce the copper around enough to loosen acretions in it ?

The bottom line is, that if it's easy to reach, then redo it; if it's a bitch to get to, then get down and analyze the contamination, closely enough to figure out just what it is.

Ken .

See, I considered that too, but the whole rest of the system is galvanized, and I've never had this before.

I bought this nipple at Home Depot and noted that it was made in China once I got it home. I swear, Chinese-made plumbing, for me, always means 'rework'. I keep waiting for the effect to fade away, but it's pretty persistent.

I think I'll replace it, but I'll go with galvanized from a plumbing supply this time. Frustrating.

Even if I had a house full of galvanized pipes, I would go through the extra effort to put in copper for any pieces I replaced.

Quite likely it's either the pipe dope accidently got inside or the oils/etc., inside the pipe nipple. I'd try simply washing it out really well when you get it off and fill it w/ water and see if it removes the taste. The parts from the plumbing supply are about as likely to be Chinese these days, too, I'm noticing. :(

Just a few wraps of Teflon tape at each threaded connection.

He's planning on living > another 75 years or so 'til they corrode again... :)

Curious as to why.

Hi,

Had the pipe gotten REALLY hot ? If it gets hot enough to oxidize the coating, it will smell, and taste metalic. If that is your problem, BE CAREFUL; it's bad for yuh !

Did you use an old, oily pipe compound ? They're the best, old methods almost always are; but you've got to use restraint, applying them. (I once had a local plumber, steal a half-gallon tub, of the stuff.)